Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the specific applications for which they'll be used. The Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch, is particularly well-suited for environments where a quieter typing experience is paramount. Its silenced design provides a plush, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal auditory feedback, making it an excellent option for office settings or shared spaces. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is also a linear switch but is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and balanced sound profile; while not as muted as the Silent Ink Black, it strikes a harmonious middle ground that is neither overly loud nor excessively quiet. The latest molds used in the Strawberry Latte contribute to a buttery-smooth typing experience, providing satisfying feedback without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize a whisper-quiet typing experience or a smoother tactile sensation coupled with a pleasant sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches with the Huano Strawberry Latte, the most notable differences lie in their top housing materials. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend, which is noted for its pointed, high-pitched sound profile that tends to be both satisfying and clacky. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK (polyketone) material, renowned for its smoothness due to a lower coefficient of friction, as well as its exceptional durability and resistance to wear. While both switches can produce a clacky sound, the differing top housing materials contribute to how the sound is perceived. The Silent Ink Black’s sound is characterized by a sharper quality, whereas the POK material of the Strawberry Latte enhances smoothness, leading to a more subdued, yet still clacky, auditory experience.
The bottom housing materials of each switch also reveal contrasting characteristics that influence their overall sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend allows for a similar high-pitched sound profile as found in the top housing, creating a consistent sound signature throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte uses nylon for its bottom housing, contributing to a fuller, deeper sound profile and a softer touch due to nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities. This difference means that the bottom-out sound of the Strawberry Latte is rounder and less sharp compared to that of the Silent Ink Black, reflecting the unique properties of each housing material. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall acoustic character becomes particularly pronounced during the key press, where the qualities of the nylon serve to soften the abruptness of the strike.
Ultimately, even with the distinction in materials, it is possible to achieve somewhat similar results in terms of sound and feel when typing on both switches. If the configuration is balanced—such as an INK blend top on the Silent Ink Black and a nylon bottom on the Huano Strawberry Latte—typists may find a hybrid performance that balances the sharpness and clackiness of the Gateron blend with the smooth, fuller sound produced by the nylon. This demonstrates how even disparate housing materials can create a cohesive typing experience when combined thoughtfully, allowing for both variety and commonality in the sound profiles and tactile experiences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ink Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch, while the Strawberry Latte has a significantly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black requires more force to both trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Strawberry Latte. As a result, the Silent Ink Black provides a heftier feel that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a stronger push. Conversely, the lighter forces of the Strawberry Latte can enhance typing comfort during long sessions, appealing to users who are cautious about fatigue. Thus, for those who favor a lighter touch, the Strawberry Latte is the clear choice, while the Silent Ink Black is optimal for those seeking a heavier push and robust feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Silent Ink Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional key switch measurements, providing a more substantial feel when pressed. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to a trend favored by gamers seeking faster response times. This shorter distance may appeal to those who prefer a snappier feel, while others might find it too abrupt. Ultimately, if you value a more hearty depth and responsiveness, the Silent Ink Black is the better choice, while the Strawberry Latte suits those inclined towards a quicker actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch excels in creating a quieter typing experience, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is essential. Its muted character minimizes the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a serene atmosphere for both the user and those nearby. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced sound profile; while it's not overly quiet, it's also not excessively resonant. This positions it as a versatile option that strikes a harmonious balance between audible feedback and noise reduction, making it suitable for various typing environments.
Regarding tactile feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is remarkable for its silky smoothness and polished finish. This results in an exceptional typing experience characterized by effortless key travel and minimal resistance during presses and releases. The luxurious feel ensures that each keystroke glides with ease, contributing to a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Huano Strawberry Latte in terms of feel remain unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in smoothness or resistance to the Silent Ink Black.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches have distinct sound qualities, with the Silent Ink Black favoring a muted performance while the Strawberry Latte delivers a balanced sound. In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black shines with its smooth and refined typing experience, whereas details about the Strawberry Latte’s tactile characteristics remain unknown. Choosing between these two switches may ultimately depend on whether a user prioritizes a quieter sound profile or if they are willing to embrace a more versatile acoustic presence, alongside the exceptional feel offered by the Silent Ink Black.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your decision should be based on your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself in a quiet office setting or share your space with others who may be disturbed by sound, the Silent Ink Black is the ideal choice. Its 70-gram bottom-out force offers a medium-heavy resistance that, combined with its muted sound profile and silky feel, provides a cushy and satisfying typing experience while minimizing noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound that strikes a balance between being unobtrusive and pleasantly audible, the Strawberry Latte is the way to go with its 45-gram bottom-out force. This switch offers a smooth and polished feel, making for an enjoyable typing experience that still provides a bit of tactile feedback without being excessively loud. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits, the noise sensitivity of your environment, and the kind of tactile feedback you value most in your keyboard experience.
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